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Fitness enthusiasts Kendra Wiley, left, and Kaitlyn Thayer are launching a free, eight-week health and exercise program in Bath this month geared toward children and their families.

Created by Kendra Wiley and Kaitlyn Thayer, the program is being offered at Patten Free Library from 4:30-5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, and runs from Jan. 29 to March 19.

Sign-up ahead of time is not required, and people can take part in as many sessions as they like. Wiley noted, though, that she and Thayer recommend going to each session, since the activities will build upon discussions from the prior week.

"Parents and their children will receive information about how to live healthy in a fun and accessible way," Wiley said in an email last week. "We believe that fitness can be low-cost, easy and enjoyable!

"In addition, parents and children will become closer by improving their health as a team. We introduce fun ways to get your children moving as well as tips on healthy foods and recipes. We will also be helping children make goals regarding their fitness aspirations, academic achievements and interests."

The after-school program for elementary children is open to all Maine families with transportation to the library; parents are encouraged to participate. Every session consists of a half hour of a fun physical activity, encouraging children to be active. There will also be guided discussions and demonstrations that educate families how to live healthier and eat better.

Thayer and Wiley created FitForMe207 "to address the growing obesity and unhealthy lifestyle epidemic in Maine," according to a press release. "Their goal is to encourage families to take responsibility for their own health and to instill this positive outlook toward health in our children. They aim to help any Maine family seeking to make a change toward a healthy and happy life through clean eating and physical movement."

Wiley is pursuing a physical therapy doctorate from Husson University and a personal trainer certification, and was a Big Sister in the Brunswick area. Thayer, the the oldest of eight home-schooled children, has 14 years of experience as a nanny.